Thermoelectric heat patch for clinical and self-management of post melanoma excision wound care

Thermodynamics as a physical and healing therapy is considered to have potential beneficial effects when applied to soft tissue. Normothermia is the state of a body being at a normal temperature and is essential to healthy cell functioning and wound healing. This article presents the application of thermoelectric elements on a conductive textile; focusing on the heat transfer of five elements over varied areas. By setting the temperature of the thermoelectric elements relative to skin temperature, a thermal camera captured the heat transfer. An increase in heat transfer was created by lining the conductive textile with commercial polyester wadding forming a quilted patch. Thus, by adapting this patch, the maximum distance between the elements relative to a minimum heat loss was observed at 3 cm. Any distance less than 3 cm covers a small area, whilst an increase in heat loss occurs above 3 cm. Further research can be conducted by implementing a pulse width modulating (PWM) system to maintain a constant temperature between 32 and 34 °C. With the addition of a temperature sensing device, a preventative system can be developed for chronic wounds essential for diabetic patients.